Many people with disabilities cannot utilize a standard toilet, and instead require equipment such as a height-adjustable changing table to use the bathroom in safety and comfort. In the United Kingdom, adult changing tables are gaining wide support thanks to the advocacy of disabled people and the Changing Places Consortium. In the United States, 11 airports have introduced bathrooms with adult changing tables. Similar campaigns in Canada are beginning to form, and there have been some successes — three Canadian airports have installed the facilities, and more airports are preparing to do so.
This article highlights those airports that have installed adult changing stations, helping to keep disabled people off the bathroom floor while traveling by air with a disability. Using the information in this article, you’ll be able to locate adult changing tables in Canadian airports to better plan an accessible journey.
YUL — Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Canada has a Changing Places toilet facility. The following YouTube video will allow you to view the interior in 360 degrees:
The facility offers the following features:
- A wall-mounted, height-adjustable changing table
- Toilet (standard with raised pan and back support)
- Accessible sink
- Fold-down support arms and vertical grab rails
- Electric hand dryer
- Ceiling-mounted hoist
- Power door with push-button entry/exit
Location information will be provided when available.
YYZ — Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto’s Pearson International Airport as two Changing Places toilet facilities, located in the arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 3. Signage directs passengers to the facilities.
Each Changing Places bathroom has the following features:
- A wall-mounted changing table (max weight: 250 pounds)
- Toilets (standard with raised pan and back support)
- Accessible sink
- Fold-down support arms and vertical grab rails
- Paper towel dispensers
- A privacy screen
- A shower
Because the accessible changing rooms are located in the arrivals hall, passengers on connecting itineraries would need to exit and re-clear security. The airport advises calling (416) 247-7678 or toll-free 1 (866) 207-1690 if planning to use the facility during a layover.
YYJ — Victoria International Airport
Victoria International Airport has installed a new accessible washroom with an adjustable height adult changing table, accessible toilet with grab bars, and a ceiling-mounted hoist.
The bathroom with adult changing table is located in the airport’s lower passenger departure lounge and came to fruition thanks to the advocacy work of David Willows and Changing Places BC.
Airports with Plans to Install Adult Changing Tables
Disability campaigners across the country are making progress in encouraging more airports to provide fully accessible toilet facilities.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has included a Changing Places facility in its expansion of the international terminal. The bathroom will be located in the international departures area (post-security), and is expected to open in 2020.
The advocacy organizations Changing Places British Columbia and Changing Places Quebec continue to campaign for accessible toilet facilities across Canada, and were a great help to me in preparing this article.
Featured image courtesy Changing Places Consortium.
